Sam Allardyce could name the same side that valiantly drew 2-2 with Manchester United in midweek, although Mark Noble has returned from injury and is another option in central midfield.

The club captain is more likely to find a place on the substitutes' bench should Gary O'Neil keep his place.

Despite defeat by Manchester City, Roberto Martinez is also likely to make few changes. The influential Callum McManaman could well return to the side instead of Franco Di Santo, while Joel is expected to retain his place in goal after a fine performance against the champions.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to whoscored.com, West Ham have two of the Premier League's top 10 most prolific tacklers in Mark Noble and Mohamed Diame, who average 3.8 and 3.5 tackles per game, respectively.

Players to watch

The on-loan Liverpool striker has been in superb form for the Hammers in recent weeks and is a player who can cause any team all sorts of problems. He will need to be at the top of his game against Wigan, who excellently nullified the threat of Manchester City's strikers for 80 minutes on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old is the Latics' most influential player at present and is scoring some important goals. Combined with Shaun Maloney and Arouna Kone, Wigan have a front three capable of troubling Jussi Jaaskelainen in the West Ham goal.

Editor's Prediction

Both teams were impressive in their respective games against the Manchester clubs. West Ham will expect to win considering that they have home advantage but Wigan will be buoyed, knowing that a win would take them out of the bottom three. With Aston Villa having to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday, it is a chance that Wigan cannot pass up if they are to survive this season.